The Inquiry of Narada and the Sage's Revelation
(Chapter 2)
Chapter 2: Greatness of Contemplation
Verse 1
इत्याज्ञप्तो जामदग्न्यः प्रणम्याऽत्रिसुतं मुनिम् । प्रश्रयावनतो भूत्वा संप्रष्टुमुपचक्रमे ॥ १ ॥
ityājñapto jāmadagnyaḥ praṇamyā'trisutaṁ munim । praśrayāvanato bhūtvā saṁpraṣṭumupacakrame ॥ 1 ॥
Following the sage's instructions, the son of Jamadagni bowed humbly to the son of Atri, and with reverence, began to ask his questions.
Verse 2
भगवन् गुरुनाथार्य सर्वज्ञ करुणानिधे । पुरा मे नुपवंशेषु क्रोधः कारणतो ह्यभूत् ॥ २ ॥
bhagavan gurunāthārya sarvajña karuṇānidhe । purā me nupavaṁśeṣu krodhaḥ kāraṇato hyabhūt ॥ 2 ॥
O Lord, revered Guru, noble and all-knowing, ocean of compassion! In the past, anger arose within me due to my ancestral lineage.
Verse 3
तद्भूयो निहितं क्षात्रं सगर्भ सस्तनन्धयम् । मया त्रिःसप्तकृत्वो वै क्षत्रासृग्भरिते हृदे ॥ ३ ॥
tadbhūyo nihitaṁ kṣātraṁ sagarbha sastanandhayam । mayā triḥsaptakṛtvo vai kṣatrāsṛgbharite hṛde ॥ 3 ॥
Furthermore, deep within lies the warrior's lineage, hidden like an embryo in the womb. Indeed, my heart has borne the burden of warriors twenty-one times.
Verse 4
सन्तर्पिताः पितृगणास्तुष्टा मद्भक्तिगौरवात् । मत्क्रोधं शामयामासुः शान्तः पित्राज्ञयाप्यहम् ॥ ४ ॥
santarpitāḥ pitṛgaṇāstuṣṭā madbhaktigauravāt । matkrodhaṁ śāmayāmāsuḥ śāntaḥ pitrājñayāpyaham ॥ 4 ॥
The groups of ancestors, satisfied and pleased by my respectful devotion, calmed my anger, despite the initial command given by them.
Verse 5
सम्प्रत्ययोध्यामध्यास्ते यः श्रीरामो हरिः स्वयम् । क्रोधान्धस्तेन भूयोऽहं सङ्गतो बलदर्पितः ॥ ५ ॥
sampratyayodhyāmadhyāste yaḥ śrīrāmo hariḥ svayam । krodhāndhastena bhūyo'haṁ saṅgato baladarpitaḥ ॥ 5 ॥
Now, in Ayodhya, resides Shri Rama, Hari himself. Blinded by anger, I was once again overcome by power and pride against him, leading me astray.
Verse 6
तेन दर्पाद्भगवता च्यावितश्च पराजितः । जीवन् कथञ्चिन्निर्यातो ब्रह्मण्येनानुकम्पिना ॥ ६ ॥
tena darpādbhagavatā cyāvitaśca parājitaḥ । jīvan kathaṁcin niryāto brahmaṇyenānukampinā ॥ 6 ॥
By him, stripped of pride and defeated by the Lord, I somehow escaped alive through the compassion of the Supreme Brahman.
Verse 7
अथ मामुपसंप्राप्तो निर्वेदः परिभावितम् । ततोऽत्यन्तं पथि मया बहुधा परिदेवितम् ॥ ७ ॥
atha mām upasaṁprāpto nirvedaḥ paribhāvitaṁ । tato'tyantaṁ pathi mayā bahudhā paridevitam ॥ 7 ॥
Then, profound dejection overwhelmed me. I wandered extensively on the path and lamented many times.
Verse 8
संवर्तमवधूतेन्द्रं मार्गेऽकस्मात् समासदम् । भस्मच्छन्नाग्निवद् गूढं कथञ्चिदविदं तदा ॥ ८ ॥
saṁvartam avadhūtendraṁ mārge'kasmāt samāsadam । bhasmacchannāgnivad gūḍhaṁ kathaṁcidavidaṁ tadā ॥ 8 ॥
I suddenly encountered Samvarta, the leader of ascetics, on the path. Covered with ashes, like hidden fire, I recognized him somehow then.
Verse 9
सन्तप्त इव नीहारं तं सर्वाङ्गसुशीतलम् । सङ्गम्यैवातिशिशिरभावमासादयं तदा ॥ ९ ॥
santapta iva nīhāraṁ taṁ sarvāṅgasuśītalam । saṅgamyaivātiśiśirabhāvam āsādayaṁ tadā ॥ 9 ॥
Like heated mist, he exuded coolness all over. Meeting him, I indeed found myself in a state of profound coolness.
Verse 10
मया स्वस्थितिमापृष्टः प्राहामृतसुपेशलम् । सुसारपिण्डवत् सर्वं निष्कृष्य प्रत्यपादयत् ॥ १० ॥
mayā svasthitim āpṛṣṭaḥ prāhāmṛtasupēśalam । susārapiṇḍavat sarvaṁ niṣkṛṣya pratyapādayat ॥ 10 ॥
When I inquired about his state, he spoke with the sweetness of nectar. He extracted and imparted all the essence, just like drawing the sap from a stalk.
Verse 11
नाहं तदशकं स्प्रष्टुं रङ्को राज्ञीं यथा तथा । भूयः संप्रार्थितः सोऽथ भवन्तं मे विनिर्दिशत् ॥ ११ ॥
nāhaṁ tadaśakaṁ spraṣṭuṁ raṅko rājñīṁ yathā tathā । bhūyaḥ saṁprārthitaḥ so'tha bhavantaṁ me vinirdiśat ॥ 11 ॥
I couldn't touch it, like a beggar reaching for a queen. Pleading once more, he then directed me to you.
Verse 12
तद्भवच्चरणद्वन्द्वं तत आसादितं मया । अन्धो जनसमायोगमिवात्यन्तसुखावहम् ॥ १२ ॥
tadbhavaccaraṇadvandvaṁ tata āsāditaṁ mayā । andho janasamāyogamivātyantasukhāvaham ॥ 12 ॥
Then, reaching your feet was like a blind man finding companionship — extremely blissful.
Verse 13
तन्मे न विदितं किञ्चित् संवर्तमुनिराह यत् । श्रुतं माहात्म्यमखिलं त्रिपुराभक्तिकारकम् ॥ १३ ॥
tanme na viditaṁ kiñcit saṁvartamunirāha yat । śrutaṁ māhātmyamakhilaṁ tripurābhaktikārakam ॥ 13 ॥
That which the sage Samvarta said is not known to me. I have heard the complete greatness that fosters devotion to Tripura.
Verse 14
सा भवद्रूपिणी देवी हृदि नित्यं समाहिता । एवं मे वर्तमानस्य किं फलं समवाप्यते ॥ १४ ॥
sā bhavadrūpiṇī devī hṛdi nityaṁ samāhitā । evaṁ me vartamānasya kiṁ phalaṁ samavāpyate ॥ 14 ॥
The goddess, in your form, is always established in my heart. Thus, what is the result of my existence?
Verse 15
भगवन् कृपया ब्रूहि यत्संवर्तः पुरावदत् । अविदित्वा च तन्नास्ति क्वचिच्च कृतकृत्यता ॥ १५ ॥
bhagavan kṛpayā brūhi yatsaṁvartaḥ purāvadat । aviditvā ca tannāsti kvacicca kṛtakṛtyatā ॥ 15 ॥
O Lord, please share what Samvarta previously said. Without that knowledge, I find no fulfillment anywhere.
Verse 16
तदुक्तमविदित्वा तु यद्यच्च क्रियते मया । तद्बालक्रीडनमिव प्रतिभाति समन्ततः ॥ १६ ॥
taduktamaviditvā tu yadyacca kriyate mayā । tadbālakrīḍanamiva pratibhāti samantataḥ ॥ 16 ॥
Without knowing what was said, everything I do feels futile, like a child's play.
Verse 17
पुरा मया हि बहुशः क्रतुभिर्दक्षिणोच्छ्रयैः । प्रभूतान्नगणैरिष्टा देवाः शक्रमुखा ननु ॥ १७ ॥
purā mayā hi bahuśaḥ kratubhir dakṣiṇocchrayaiḥ । prabhūtānna gaṇair iṣṭā devāḥ śakramukhā nanu ॥ 17 ॥
Previously, many times, through sacrifices with generous gifts and abundant food, I worshipped the gods led by Indra.
Verse 18
तदल्पफलमेवेति श्रुतं संवर्तवक्त्रतः । मन्ये तदहमल्पं यद् दुःखमेवेति सर्वथा ॥ १८ ॥
tadalpaphalameveti śrutaṁ saṁvartavakrataḥ । manye tadaham alpaṁ yad duḥkham eveti sarvathā ॥ 18 ॥
That fruit, indeed, is a small result. As heard from the mouth of Samvarta, I consider that small, which is indeed sorrow in every way.
Verse 19
असुखं नहि दुःखं स्याद् दुःखमल्पं सुखं स्मृतम् । यतः सुखात्यये दुःखं भवेद् गुरुतरं किल ॥ १९ ॥
asukhna na hi duḥkhaṁ syād duḥkham alpaṁ sukhaṁ smṛtam । yataḥ sukhātyaye duḥkhaṁ bhaved gurutaraṁ kila ॥ 19 ॥
Without happiness, indeed, sorrow would be greater. A little sorrow is considered happiness because, in the absence of happiness, sorrow would indeed be heavier.
Verse 20
नैतावदेव चैतस्मादधिकं चास्ति वैभवम् । मृत्यूपयोगो यद्भूयो न तन्न स्यात् कदाचन ॥ २० ॥
naitāvadeva caitasmād adhikaṁ cāsti vaibhavam । mṛtyūpayoho yad bhūyo na tanna syāt kadācana ॥ 20 ॥
Not only this, indeed, but more than this is the glory; the final embrace of death. There never will be anything worse than that.
Verse 21
एवमेव भवेद्यन्मे क्रियते त्रिपुराविधौ । बालक्रीडेव मे भाति सर्व तन्मानसं यतः ॥ २१ ॥
evameva bhaved yan me kriyate tripurāvidhau । bālakrīḍeva me bhāti sarva tanmānasaṁ yataḥ ॥ 21 ॥
Indeed, whatever I do in the worship of Tripura seems to me like child’s play, as everything resides in the mind.
Verse 22
एतद्यदुक्तं भवता कर्तुं तत् स्यादितोऽन्यथा । नियतं चाप्यन्यथा तद् वचोभेदसमाश्रयात् ॥ २२ ॥
etad yad uktaṁ bhavatā kartuṁ tat syād ito'nyathā । niyataṁ cāpyanyathā tad vacobhedasamāśrayāt ॥ 22 ॥
What you instruct to be done should be followed accordingly; otherwise, the outcome will differ. Depending on the variation in words, the duty may also change.
Verse 23
आलम्बभेदततश्चापि विविधं प्रतिपद्यते । कथमेतत् क्रतुसममसत्यफलसम्मितम् ॥ २३ ॥
ālambabhedatataś cāpi vividhaṁ pratipadyate । katham etat kratusamamasatyaphalasammitam ॥ 23 ॥
Various supports and diverse practices are perceived in their own ways. How can this be compared to a ritual that truly yields fruit?
Verse 24
अप्यसत्यात्मकं यस्मात् कथं सत्यसमं भवेत् । अथापि नित्यं कर्तव्यमेतन्नास्यावधिः क्वचित् ॥ २४ ॥
apyasatyātmakaṁ yasmāt kathaṁ satyasamaṁ bhavet । athāpi nityaṁ kartavyam etannāsyāvadhiḥ kvacit ॥ 24 ॥
Since it is based on an untrue self, how can it become like the truth? Nevertheless, one must always perform their duties; there is no limit for them at any time.
Verse 25
लक्षितो मे स भगवान् संवर्तः सर्वशीतलः । कर्तव्यलेशविषमविषज्वालाविनिर्गतः ॥ २५ ॥
lakṣito me sa bhagavān saṁvartaḥ sarvaśītalaḥ । kartavyaleśaviṣamaviṣajvālāvinirgataḥ ॥ 25 ॥
Observed by me, the divine Samvarta, entirely cool, free from the poison fire of the trace of duty.
Verse 26
हसन्निव लोकतन्त्रमभयं मार्गमाश्रितः । वने दावाग्निसङ्कीर्णे हिमाम्बुस्थगजोपमः ॥ २६ ॥
hasanniva lokatantram abhayaṁ mārgam āśritaḥ । vane dāvāgnisaṅkīrṇe himāmbusthagajopamaḥ ॥ 26 ॥
Smiling, as if he had taken refuge in the fearless path of the world system, he was like an elephant residing in cold water amidst a forest mixed with fire.
Verse 27
सर्वकर्तव्यवैकल्यामृतसंस्वादनन्दितः । कथमेतां दशां प्राप्तो यच्च मामाह तत्पुरा ॥ २७ ॥
Sarvakartavyavaikalyāmṛtasaṁsvādananditaḥ । katham etāṁ daśāṁ prāpto yac ca mām āha tatpurā ॥ 27 ॥
Delighted by the taste of the nectar of being free from all duties, how did he attain this state, which he had described to me?
Verse 28
सर्वमेतत् सुकृपया गुरो मे वक्तुमर्हसि । कर्तव्यकालभुजगनिगीर्णं मां विमोचय ॥ २८ ॥
sarvametat sukripayā guro me vaktum arhasi । kartavyakālabhujaganigīrṇaṁ māṁ vimocaya ॥ 28 ॥
O Guru, with kindness, you should tell me all of this. Liberate me, as I am swallowed by the serpent of duty and time.
Verse 29
इत्युक्त्वा चरणौ मूर्ध्ना गृहीत्वा दण्डवन्नतः । अथ दृष्ट्वा तथाभूतं भार्गवं मुक्तिभाजनम् ॥ २९ ॥
ityuktvā caraṇau mūrdhnā gṛhītvā daṇḍavannataḥ । atha dṛṣṭvā tathābhūtaṁ bhārgavaṁ muktibhājanam ॥ 29 ॥
Thus, having spoken, he bowed like a stick, holding the feet with his head. Then, seeing Bhargava in that state, worthy of liberation.
Verse 30
दयमानस्वभावोऽथ दत्तो वक्तुमुपाक्रमत् । वत्स भार्गव धन्योऽसि यस्य ते बुद्धिरीदृशी ॥ ३० ॥
dayamānasvabhāvo'tha datto vaktumupākramat । vatsa bhārgava dhanyo'si yasya te buddhirīdṛśī ॥ 30 ॥
With a compassionate nature, Dattatreya then began to speak. "My dear Bhargava, you are blessed, whose intellect is such."
Verse 31
अब्धौ निमज्जतो नौकासम्प्राप्तिरिव सङ्गता । एतावदेव सुकृतिः क्रियाभिरुपसङ्गतः ॥ ३१ ॥
abdhau nimajjato naukāsamprāptiriva saṅgatā । etāvadeva sukṛtiḥ kriyābhirupasaṅgataḥ ॥ 31 ॥
Just like a boat’s arrival to one drowning in the ocean, this association is indeed attained by virtuous actions.
Verse 32
स्वात्मानमारोहयति पदे परमपावने । सा देवी त्रिपुरा सर्वह्रदयाकाशरूपिणी ॥ ३२ ॥
svātmānamārohāyati pade paramapāvane । sā devī tripurā sarvahṛdayākāśarūpiṇī ॥ 32 ॥
One ascends to the supreme pure state. She, the goddess Tripura, is of the form of space in all hearts.
Verse 33
अनन्यशरणं भक्तं प्रत्येवंरूपिणी द्रुतम् । ह्रदयान्तः परिणता मोचयेद् मृत्युजालतः ॥ ३३ ॥
ananyaśaraṇaṁ bhaktaṁ pratyevaṁrūpiṇī drutam । hṛdayāntaḥ pariṇatā mocayed mṛtyujālataḥ ॥ 33 ॥
Without any other refuge, the devotee, devoted to this form, is quickly transformed within the heart and liberated from the net of death.
Verse 34
यावत् कर्तव्यवेतालान्न बिभेति दृढं नरः । न तावत् सुखमाप्नोति वेतालाविष्टवत् सदा ॥ ३४ ॥
yāvat kartavyavetālānna bibheti dṛḍhaṁ naraḥ । na tāvat sukhamāpnoti vetālāviṣṭavat sadā ॥ 34 ॥
As long as a man does not firmly fear the ghosts of duties, he does not attain happiness and remains like one possessed.
Verse 35
नृणां कर्तव्यकालाहिसन्दष्टानां कथं शुभम् । करालगरलज्वालाक्रान्ताङ्गानामिव क्वचित् ॥ ३५ ॥
nṛṇāṁ kartavyakālāhisaṁdaṣṭānāṁ kathaṁ śubham । karālagaralajvālākrāntāṅgānāmiva kvacit ॥ 35 ॥
What auspiciousness can there be for men bitten by the serpent of duty and time? They are like bodies scorched by the terrible poison flames.
Verse 36
कर्तव्यविषसंसर्गमूर्च्छितं पश्य वै जगत् । अन्धीभूतं न जानाति क्रियां स्वस्य हितात्मिकाम् ॥ ३६ ॥
kartavyaviṣasaṁsargamūrchitaṁ paśya vai jagat । andhībhūtaṁ na jānāti kriyāṁ svasya hitātmikām ॥ 36 ॥
Indeed, observe the world, unconscious due to the poison of duty, blinded, not knowing what actions are truly beneficial for them.
Verse 37
अन्यथा चेष्टते भूयो मोहमापद्यते पुनः । एवंविधो हि लोकोऽयं कर्तव्यविषमूर्च्छितः ॥ ३७ ॥
anyathā ceṣṭate bhūyo mohamāpadyate punaḥ । evaṁvidho hi loko'yaṁ kartavyaviṣamūrchitaḥ ॥ 37 ॥
Otherwise, one acts again, falls into delusion once more. Indeed, this world is such, unconscious due to the poison of duty.
Verse 38
अनादिकालतो भीमे पच्यते विषसागरे । यथा हि केचित् पथिकाः प्राप्ता विन्ध्यमहानगम् ॥ ३८ ॥
anādikālato bhīme pacyate viṣasāgare । yathā hi kecit pathikāḥ prāptā vindhyamahānagam ॥ 38 ॥
Since time immemorial, cooked in the terrible ocean of poison, just as some travelers reached the great Vindhya mountain.
Verse 39
क्षुधाभरसमाक्रान्ताः फलानि ददृशुर्वने । विषमुष्टिफलान्याशु तिन्दुकस्य फलेहया ॥ ३९ ॥
kṣudhābharasamākrāntāḥ phalāni dadṛśurvane । viṣamuṣṭiphalānyāśu tindukasya phalehayā ॥ 39 ॥
Overwhelmed by hunger, they saw fruits in the forest and, desiring them quickly, ate the poisonous berries of Tinduka.
Verse 40
भक्षयामासुरत्यन्तक्षुधानष्टरसेन्द्रियाः । अथ ते तद्विषज्वालाज्वलिताङ्गाः सुपीडिताः ॥ ४० ॥
bhakṣayāmāsuratyanta kṣudhānaṣṭarasaindriyāḥ । atha te tadviṣajvālājvalitāṅgāḥ supīḍitāḥ ॥ 40 ॥
Overwhelmed by extreme hunger, they ate, losing their senses and taste. Greatly distressed, their bodies were burned by the poison flames.
Verse 41
अन्धीभूता विचिन्वन्तस्तद्विषोष्णप्रशान्तये । अविदित्वा मुष्टिफलं तिन्दूफलनिषेवणात् ॥ ४१ ॥
andhībhūtā vicinvantas tadviṣoṣṇapraśāntaye । aviditvā muṣṭiphalaṁ tindūphalaṇiṣevaṇāt ॥ 41 ॥
Blinded and seeking to calm the heat from the Tinduka fruit, which they had consumed, not knowing it was poisonous.
Verse 42
मत्वा ज्वालां निजे देहे धत्तूरफलमासदुः । भ्रान्त्या जम्बीरबुद्धया तत् सर्वैरासीत् सुभक्षितम् ॥ ४२ ॥
matvā jvālāṁ nije dehe dhattūraphalamāsaduḥ । bhrāntyā jambīrabuddhayā tat sarvairāsīt subhakṣitam ॥ 42 ॥
Thinking of the flames in their own bodies, they took the Datura fruit in their delusion, mistaking it for a lemon, and it was eagerly consumed by all.
Verse 43
उन्मत्ताश्च ततोऽभूवन् मार्गाद् भ्रष्टाश्च ते तदा । अन्धीभूतातिगहने पतन्तो निम्नभूमिषु ॥ ४३ ॥
unmattāś ca tato'bhūvan mārgād bhraṣṭāś ca te tadā । andhībhūtātigahane patanto nimnabhūmiṣu ॥ 43 ॥
Then, they became insane and strayed from the path, falling into deep blindness and sinking into low grounds.
Verse 44
कण्टकैश्छिन्न सर्वाङ्गा भग्नबाहूरुपादकाः । अधिक्षिपन्तश्चान्योन्यं कलह चक्रुरुच्चकैः ॥ ४४ ॥
kaṇṭakaiś chinna sarvāṅgā bhagnabāhūrupādakāḥ । adhikṣipantaś cānyonyaṁ kalaha cakruruccakaiḥ ॥ 44 ॥
Cut all over the body by thorns, with broken arms, thighs, and feet, they insulted each other and quarreled loudly.
Verse 45
मुष्टिभिश्च शिलाभिश्च काष्ठर्जध्नुः परस्परम् । अथ ते दीर्णसर्वाङ्गाः पुरं कञ्चित् समासदुः ॥ ४५ ॥
muṣṭibhiś ca śilābhiś ca kāṣṭhārjadhnuḥ parasparam । atha te dīrṇasarvāṅgāḥ puraṁ kañcit samāsaduḥ ॥ 45 ॥
With fists, stones, and sticks, they struck each other. Torn all over the body, they finally reached a city.
Verse 46
निशीथे दैववशतः पुरद्वारमुपाययुः । पुरद्वाराधिपालैस्ते प्रतिरुद्धाः प्रवेशने ॥ ४६ ॥
niśīthe daivavaśataḥ puradvāramupāyayuḥ । puradvārādhipālais te pratiruddhāḥ praveśane ॥ 46 ॥
At midnight, by fate, they approached the city gate, only to be blocked by the guards at the entrance.
Verse 47
देशकालानभिज्ञानात् कलहं चक्रुरुच्चकैः । अथ ते प्रहृता द्वारपालैरतितरां यदा ॥ ४७ ॥
deśakālānabhiñānāt kalahaṁ cakruruccakaiḥ । atha te prahṛtā dvārapālairatitarāṁ yadā ॥ 47 ॥
Without knowledge of place and time, they quarreled loudly. Then, excessively struck by the gatekeepers.
Verse 48
तदा पलायनपरा बभूवुः परितस्तु ते । पतिताः परिखे केचिद् भक्षिता मकरादिभिः ॥ ४८ ॥
tadā palāyanaparā babhūvuḥ paritastu te । patitāḥ parikhe kecid bhakṣitā makarādibhiḥ ॥ 48 ॥
Intent on fleeing, they scattered. Some fell into ditches, while others were devoured by crocodiles and other creatures.
Verse 49
केचित् खातेषु कूपेषु पतिताः प्राणमुत्सृजुः । अपरे तैर्विनिहताः केचिज्जीवग्रहं गताः ॥ ४९ ॥
kecit khāteṣu kūpeṣu patitāḥ prāṇamutsṛjuḥ । apare tairvinihatāḥ kecijjīvagrahaṁ gatāḥ ॥ 49 ॥
Some fell into pits and wells, giving up their lives. Others were killed by the guards, and some were taken into captivity.
Verse 50
एवं जना हितेच्छाभिः कर्तव्यविषमूर्च्छिताः । अहो विनाशं यान्त्युच्चैर्मोहेनान्धीकृताः खलु ॥ ५० ॥
evaṁ janā hitecchābhiḥ kartavyaviṣamūrchitāḥ । aho vināśaṁ yānty uccairmohenāndhīkṛtāḥ khalu ॥ 50 ॥
Thus, people with desires for welfare, unconscious from the poison of duty, alas, go to great destruction, greatly blinded by delusion.
Verse 51
धन्योऽसि भार्गवं त्वं तु यस्मादभ्युदयं गतः । विचारः सर्वमूलं हि सोपानं प्रथमं भवेत् ॥ ५१ ॥
dhanyo'si bhārgavaṁ tvaṁ tu yasmād abhyudayaṁ gataḥ । vicāraḥ sarvamūlaṁ hi sopānaṁ prathamaṁ bhavet ॥ 51 ॥
You are blessed, Bhargava, for you have achieved prosperity. Contemplation is indeed the root of all and the first step.
Verse 52
परश्रेयोमहासौधप्राप्तौ जानीहि सर्वथा । सुविचारमृते क्षेमप्राप्तिः कस्य कथं भवेत् ॥ ५२ ॥
paraśreyo mahāsaudha prāptau jānīhi sarvathā । suvicāramṛte kṣemaprāptiḥ kasya kathaṁ bhavet ॥ 52 ॥
To achieve the highest good, the great mansion, understand that without proper contemplation, attaining welfare in every way would be impossible.
Verse 53
अविचारः परो मृत्युरविचारहता जनाः । विमृश्यकारी जयति सर्वत्राभीष्टसङ्गमात् ॥ ५३ ॥
avichāraḥ paro mṛtyuravichārahataḥ janāḥ । vimṛśyakārī jayati sarvatrābhīṣṭasaṅgamāt ॥ 53 ॥
Lack of contemplation is the ultimate death; people perish due to lack of contemplation. One who contemplates triumphs everywhere through favorable associations.
Verse 54
अविचारहता दैत्या यातुधानाश्च सर्वशः । विचारपरमा देवाः सर्वतः सुखभागिनः ॥ ५४ ॥
avicārahata daityā yātudhānāś ca sarvaśaḥ । vicāraparamā devāḥ sarvataḥ sukhabhāginaḥ ॥ 54 ॥
Without contemplation, demons and ogres are utterly destroyed. Conversely, gods, brimming with contemplation, enjoy happiness in all aspects.
Verse 55
विचारद्विष्णुमाश्रित्य जयन्ति प्रत्यरीन् सदा । विचारः सुखवृक्षस्य बिजमङ्कुरशक्तिकम् ॥ ५५ ॥
vicāra-dviṣṇumāśritya jayanti pratyarīn sadā । vicāraḥ sukhavṛkṣasya bija-maṅkuraśaktikam ॥ 55 ॥
By relying on Vishnu through contemplation, they consistently overcome their enemies. Contemplation serves as the seed and nurturing energy of the tree of happiness.
Verse 56
विराजते विचारेण पुरुषः सर्वतोऽधिकः । विचाराद्विधिरुत्कृष्टो विचारात् पृज्यते हरिः ॥ ५६ ॥
virājate vicāreṇa puruṣaḥ sarvato'dhikaḥ । vicārādvidhirutkṛṣṭo vicārāt pṛjyate hariḥ ॥ 56 ॥
A man excels through contemplation, becoming greater in every way. Through contemplation, order is maintained excellently. Through contemplation, Vishnu is worshipped.
Verse 57
सर्वज्ञस्तु विचारेण शिव आसीन्महेश्वरः । अविचारान्मृगासक्तो रामो बुद्धिमतांवरः ॥ ५७ ॥
sarvajñastu vicāreṇa śiva āsīn maheśvaraḥ । avicārān mṛgāsakto rāmo buddhimatāṁ varaḥ ॥ 57 ॥
Indeed, through contemplation, Shiva, the great Lord, became all-knowing. Without contemplation, even Rama, the best among the wise, was captivated by the deer.
Verse 58
परमामापदं प्राप्तो विचारादथ वारिधिम् । बद्ध्वा लङ्कपुरीं रक्षोगणाकीर्णां समाक्रमत् ॥ ५८ ॥
paramām āpadaṁ prāpto vicārād atha vāridhim । baddhvā laṅkapurīṁ rakṣogaṇākīrṇāṁ samākramat ॥ 58 ॥
In great distress, Rama, through contemplation, constructed a bridge over the ocean and launched an attack on the city of Lanka, which was filled with demons.
Verse 59
अविचाराद्विधिरपि मूढो भूत्वाऽभिमानतः । शिरश्छेदं समगमदिति संश्रृतमेव ते ॥ ५९ ॥
avicārād vidhir api mūḍho bhūtvā'bhimānataḥ । śiraśchedaṁ samagamad iti saṁśṛtameva te ॥ 59 ॥
Without contemplation, even Brahma became foolish due to pride and faced beheading. Thus, you have indeed heard.
Verse 60
महादेवोऽविचारेण वरं दत्वाऽसुराय वै । भस्मीभावात् स्वस्य भीतः पलायनपरोऽभवत् ॥ ६० ॥
mahādevo'vicāreṇa varaṁ datvā'surāya vai । bhasmībhāvāt svasya bhītaḥ palāyanaparo'bhavat ॥ 60 ॥
Without contemplation, the great god Shiva, upon granting a boon to a demon, feared turning to ashes himself and resorted to fleeing.
Verse 61
अविचाराद्धरिः पूर्वं भृगुपत्नों निहत्य तु । शापेन परमं दुःखमाप्तमवापा त्यन्तदुःसहम् ॥ ६१ ॥
avicārāddhariḥ pūrvaṁ bhṛgupatnōṁ nihatya tu । śāpena paramaṁ duḥkham āptam avāpātyantaduḥsaham ॥ 61 ॥
Without contemplation, Vishnu once killed Bhrigu’s wife. As a result of the curse, he endured immense sorrow and suffered extremely unbearable distress.
Verse 62
एवमन्ये सुरा देवा यातुधाना नरा मृगाः । अविचारवशादेव विपदं प्राप्नुवन्ति हि ॥ ६२ ॥
evamanye surā devā yātudhānā narā mṛgāḥ । avicāravaśādeva vipadaṁ prāpnuvanti hi ॥ 62 ॥
Thus, without contemplation, gods, deities, demons, humans, and animals all inevitably experience distress.
Verse 63
महाभागास्ते हि धीरा यान् कुत्रापि च भार्गव । विजहाति विचारो नो नमस्तेभ्यो निरन्तरम् ॥ ६३ ॥
mahābhāgāste hi dhīrā yān kutrāpi ca bhārgava । vijahāti vicāro no namastebhyo nirantaram ॥ 63 ॥
O Bhargava, those wise ones who are never abandoned by contemplation are greatly fortunate. Salutations to them continually.
Verse 64
कर्तव्यमविचारेण प्राप्य मुह्यन्ति सर्वतः । विचार्य कृत्वा सर्वेभ्यो मुच्यतेऽपारसङ्कटैः ॥ ६४ ॥
kartavyamavicāreṇa prāpya muhyanti sarvataḥ । vicārya kṛtvā sarvebhyo mucyate'pārasaṅkaṭaiḥ ॥ 64 ॥
Attaining duty without contemplation leads to delusion everywhere. By contemplating and acting, one is freed from all boundless distress.
Verse 65
एवं लोकांश्चिरादेषोऽविचारः सङ्गतोऽभवत् । यस्याविचारो यावत् स्यात् कुतस्तावद्विमर्शनम् ॥ ६५ ॥
evaṁ lokāṁścirādeṣo'vicāraḥ saṅgato'bhavat । yasyāvicāro yāvat syāt kutastāvadvimarśanam ॥ 65 ॥
Thus, for a long time, people have been associated with a lack of contemplation. As long as contemplation is absent, where can reflection be found?
Verse 66
ग्रीष्मभीष्मकरातप्ते मरौ क्व शिशिरं जलम् । एवं चिराविचाराग्निज्वालामालापरीवृते ॥ ६६ ॥
grīṣmabhīṣmakarātapte marau kva śiśiraṁ jalam । evaṁ cirāvicārāgnijvālāmalāparīvṛte ॥ 66 ॥
In the summer, in a desert scorched by intense rays, where is cool water found? Similarly, one is engulfed by the enduring flames of lack of contemplation and impurities.
Verse 67
विचारशीतलस्पर्शः कथं स्यात् साधनं विना । साधनं त्वेकमेवात्र परमं सर्वतोऽधिकम् ॥ ६७ ॥
vicāraśītalasparśaḥ kathaṁ syāt sādhanam vinā । sādhanaṁ tvekamevātra paramaṁ sarvato'dhikam ॥ 67 ॥
Without the means, how would the cool touch of contemplation be experienced? Indeed, the means here is singular, supreme, and superior in every way.
Verse 68
सर्वहृत्पद्मनिलयदेवतायाः परा कृपा । तां विना स्यात् कथं कस्य महाश्रेयः सुसाधनः ॥ ६८ ॥
sarvahṛtpadmanilayadevatāyāḥ parā kṛpā । tāṁ vinā syāt kathaṁ kasya mahāśreyaḥ susādhanaḥ ॥ 68 ॥
Without the supreme grace of the deity residing in the lotus of all hearts, how would anyone easily attain great welfare?
Verse 69
विचारार्कोऽविचारान्धमहाध्वान्तनिबर्हणः । तत्र मूलं भवेद्भक्त्या देवतापरिराधनम् ॥ ६९ ॥
vicārārko'vicārāndhamahādhvāntanibarhaṇaḥ । tatra mūlaṁ bhavedbhaktyā devatāparirādhanam ॥ 69 ॥
The sun of contemplation dispels the great darkness of non-contemplation. There, the foundation lies in the devoted worship of the deity.
Verse 70
राधिता परमा देवी सम्यक् तुष्टा सती तदा । विचाररूपतां याति चित्ताकाशे रविर्यथा ॥ ७० ॥
rādhitā paramā devī samyak tuṣṭā satī tadā । vicārarūpatāṁ yāti cittākāśe raviryathā ॥ 70 ॥
When the supreme goddess is completely worshipped and pleased, she assumes the form of contemplation, like the sun illuminating the sky of the mind.
Verse 71
तस्मान्निजात्मरुपां तां त्रिपुरां परमेश्वरीम् । सर्वान्तरनिकेतां श्रीमहेशीं चिन्मयीं शिवाम् ॥ ७१ ॥
tasmān nijātmarupāṁ tāṁ tripurāṁ parameśvarīm । sarvāntaraniketāṁ śrīmahēśīṁ cinmayīṁ śivām ॥ 71 ॥
Therefore, worship Tripura, the supreme goddess, dwelling within all, the great and auspicious goddess of consciousness.
Verse 72
आराधयेदकापटयात् सद्गुरुद्वारतः क्रमात् । आराधनेऽपि मूलं स्याद्भक्तिः श्रद्धा च निर्मला ॥ ७२ ॥
ārādhayedakāpaṭayāt sadgurudvārataḥ kramāt । ārādhane'pi mūlaṁ syād bhaktiḥ śraddhā ca nirmalā ॥ 72 ॥
Worship gradually without deceit through the true guru. In worship, the root is devotion and pure faith.
Verse 73
तत्रापि मूलं माहात्म्यश्रवणं परिकीर्तितम् । अतस्ते प्रथमं राम माहात्म्यं सम्प्रवर्तितम् ॥ ७३ ॥
tatrāpi mūlaṁ māhātmyāśravaṇaṁ parikīrtitam । ataste prathamaṁ rāma māhātmyaṁ sampravartitam ॥ 73 ॥
There too, the root is praised by hearing its greatness. Therefore, Rama, the greatness has been told to you first.
Verse 74
तेन श्रुतेनाधुना त्वं प्राप्तवानसि मङ्गलम् । विचारः श्रयसो मूलं यस्मात्ते नहि भीरितः ॥ ७४ ॥
tena śrutenādhunā tvaṁ prāptavān asi maṅgalam । vicāraḥ śrayaso mūlaṁ yasmāt te nahi bhīritaḥ ॥ 74 ॥
By hearing that, you have now attained auspiciousness. Contemplation is the root of prosperity because you are without fear.
Verse 75
विचारोदयपर्यन्तं भयमस्ति महत्तरम् । अविचारात्मदोषेण ग्रस्तस्य प्रतिवासरम् ॥ ७५ ॥
vicārodayaparyantaṁ bhayamasti mahattaram । avicārātmadoṣeṇa grastasya prativasaram ॥ 75 ॥
Until the rise of contemplation, there is great fear, daily affected by the flaw of a lack of contemplation.
Verse 76
यथा हि सन्निपातेन ग्रस्तस्यौषधसेवनात् । अपि तावद्भवेद् भीतिर्यावद्धातोरशुद्धता ॥ ७६ ॥
yathā hi sannipātena grastasya auṣadhasevanāt । api tāvad bhaved bhītir yāvad dhātor aśuddhatā ॥ 76 ॥
Just as taking medicine affects disorder, so too would fear persist until the impurity of the element is removed.
Verse 77
प्राप्ते विचारे परमे फलितं जीवितं नृणाम् । यावत्सु जन्मसु नृणां विचारो न भवेत् परः ॥ ७७ ॥
prāpte vicāre parame phalitaṁ jīvitaṁ nṛṇām । yāvatsu janmasu nṛṇāṁ vicāro na bhavet paraḥ ॥ 77 ॥
Life becomes fruitful for men upon attaining supreme contemplation, but in all births of men, supreme contemplation must be achieved.
Verse 78
तावन्तो जन्मतरवो वन्ध्या विफलहेतुतः । स एव सफलो जन्मवृक्षो यत्र विमर्शनम् ॥ ७८ ॥
tāvanto janmataravo vandhyā vipalahetutaḥ । sa eva saphalo janmavṛkṣo yatra vimarśanam ॥ 78 ॥
Many trees of birth are barren due to fruitlessness. That tree of birth becomes fruitful where there is contemplation.
Verse 79
कूपमण्डूकसदृशा ये नरा निर्विमर्शनाः । यथा कूपे समुत्पन्नो भेको नो वेद किञ्चन ॥ ७९ ॥
kūpamaṇḍūkasadṛśā ye narā nirvimarśanāḥ । yathā kūpe samutpanno bheko no veda kiñcana ॥ 79 ॥
Men are like well-frogs without contemplation, much like a frog born in a well knows nothing beyond it.
Verse 80
शुभं वाप्यशुभं वापि कूपे एव विनश्यति । तथा जना अपि वृथोत्पन्ना ब्रह्माण्डकूपके ॥ ८० ॥
śubhaṁ vāpy aśubhaṁ vāpi kūpe eva vinaśyati । tathā janā api vṛthotpannā brahmāṇḍakūpake ॥ 80 ॥
Good or bad, it perishes in the well. Similarly, people are born in vain in the well of the universe.
Verse 81
शुभं वाप्यशुभं वापि न विदुः स्वात्मनः क्वचित् । उत्पद्योत्पद्य नश्यन्ति न जानन्ति स्वकं हितम् ॥ ८१ ॥
śubhaṁ vāpy aśubhaṁ vāpi na viduḥ svātmanaḥ kvacit । utpadyotpadyanaśyanti na jānanti svakaṁ hitam ॥ 81 ॥
Good or bad, they do not recognize themselves anywhere. Arising again and again, they perish, unaware of their own benefit.
Verse 82
सुखबुद्धिं च दुःखेषु सुखे दुःखविनिश्चयम् । प्राप्याविचारमाहात्म्यात् पच्यन्ते सृतिपावके ॥ ८२ ॥
sukhabuddhiṁ ca duḥkheṣu sukhe duḥkhaviniścayam । prāpyāvicāramāhātmyāt pacyante sṛtipāvake ॥ 82 ॥
Recognizing happiness in sorrow and sorrow in happiness, due to the profound impact of a lack of contemplation, they are consumed in the fire of transmigration (cycle of birth and death).
Verse 83
दुःखेन क्लिश्यमानाश्च न कथञ्चित् त्यजन्ति तत् । यथा पादशताघातैस्ताडितोऽपि महाखरः ॥ ८३ ॥
duḥkhena kliśyamānāśca na kathañcit tyajanti tat । yathā pādaśatāghātaistāḍito'pi mahākharaḥ ॥ 83 ॥
Afflicted by sorrow and unable to abandon it in any way, just like a stubborn donkey, even when struck by a hundred blows.
Verse 84
रासभीमनुयात्येव तथा संसरणं जनः । त्वं तु राम विचारात्मा पारं दुःखस्य सङ्गतः ॥ ८४ ॥
rāsabhīmanuyātyeva tathā saṁsaraṇaṁ janaḥ । tvaṁ tu rāma vicārātmā pāraṁ duḥkhasya saṅgataḥ ॥ 84 ॥
People indeed follow the cycle of transmigration like donkeys. But you, O Rama, with contemplation, have transcended sorrow.
Key Takeaways & AI Summary
This chapter explores the profound teachings of The Inquiry of Narada and the Sage's Revelation. It includes 84 verses detailing core themes like "ityājñapto jāmadagnyaḥ praṇamyā'trisutaṁ munim । praśrayāvanato bhūtvā saṁpraṣṭumupacakrame ॥ 1 ॥", "bhagavan gurunāthārya sarvajña karuṇānidhe । purā me nupavaṁśeṣu krodhaḥ kāraṇato hyabhūt ॥ 2 ॥", "tadbhūyo nihitaṁ kṣātraṁ sagarbha sastanandhayam । mayā triḥsaptakṛtvo vai kṣatrāsṛgbharite hṛde ॥ 3 ॥".A sacred Shakta text revealing the supreme mystery of Tripura (the Divine Mother) — a dialogue between Dattatreya and Parashurama on consciousness, creation, and liberation.